Frequently Asked Questions

I’m having trouble logging into Connect. What should I do?

  • Returning User – If you are a previous scholar OR you have already started/submitted an application for any program year, then you should use the login information that you used to create your account. A “Returning User” is anyone who has ever logged into the Connect system at any time, i.e. to submit an application, to accept an offer, or to complete forms. Use the “Forgot Your Password?” link if you cannot remember your password and it will be emailed to the email used to create your account.
  • New User – If you are not a previous scholar OR have not already started an application, then you should select “Create New Application” on the home page to create an account.
  • If you are still having difficulties, email an AFRL Scholars Program Administrator at [email protected] for assistance

 

I am a returning applicant; do I need to apply online?
Yes, please apply at AFRL Connect.

 

When is the application deadline?
Application deadlines may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying. For site-specific deadlines, please visit the site page (accessed from Locations menu).

What is a complete application package?
A complete application includes: all sections of the application marked “complete” and certified, a resume, and unofficial transcripts from all institutions you have attended. While not required for application submission, at least one letter of recommendation is highly recommended for your application package to be considered competitive.

Can I mail in, hand deliver, fax, or email my application?
No, all applications must be submitted through the AFRL Connect system.

What is PII and how do I remove PII before submitting documents with my application?
According to Air Force Instruction 33-332, personal information is defined by the Department of Defense as: information about an individual that identifies, links, relates, or is unique to, or describes him or her, e.g., social security number (SSN); age; military rank; civilian grade; marital status; race; salary; home/office phone numbers; other demographic, biometric, personnel, medical, and financial information, etc. Such information is also known as personally identifiable information (PII) (i.e., information which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as their social security number, date of birth, place of birth, mother’s maiden name, or biometric records, including any other PII which is linked or linkable to a specified individual).

Do not upload any documents that contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII). For steps on how to block PII, see below:

  • Using Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can format your documents by using “Mark for Redaction”
    • Go to the Protection Tab under Tools and select “Mark for Redaction.” Redaction allows you to permanently black out and remove sensitive content.
    • Highlight any text considered PII.
    • Click on “Apply Redactions.” Note: Redactions are not applied permanently until you select “Apply Redactions.”
  • If you do not have access to Adobe, use a permanent black marker and mark through any text considered PII on your transcript records, then scan into your computer and submit in a PDF format.

 

Do I need to provide all of my contact information?
Yes, you should provide all information that you are able to so that we can complete official paperwork on your behalf and are able to contact you for any reason. It is highly recommended to provide as many different forms of contact as you can.

 

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No, the AFRL Scholars Program is only open to U.S. Citizens.

Do I have to submit a letter of recommendation?
AFRL Scholars Program Administration recommends the submission of at least one letter of recommendation for an application package to be considered competitive; however, you can submit your application without one. Keep in mind that the inclusion of a recommendation letter will increase your chances of selection during the ranking process.

What if my letter of recommendation does not arrive by the application deadline?
If your letter does not arrive by the application deadline, your application package will be evaluated without it. As the deadline approaches, please contact your reference using the “Resend” function in the application module and/or sending a request to another reference.

I am a graduate student; can I incorporate AFRL research into my graduate studies?
It is definitely possible for scholars to base their thesis/dissertation on their summer research (or vice-versa). Scholars are encouraged to initiate discussion on this topic early in the summer with both their academic advisor and their AFRL mentor.

Will I be required to present my research or write a technical report during the summer internship?
Scholars will be required to write a technical report and present their research to their branch, at the discretion of their mentor. Select scholars may be asked to present at the AFRL Scholars Poster Session at the conclusion of the summer.

How many topics can I apply to?
Applicants can apply to no more than 3 topics per AFRL site. These topics may be within any technical area provided on the topic list. However, you should only apply to topics that are assigned to the education level that you will be the semester immediately preceding the internship dates.

Can I contact the mentors?
For those mentors who are open to communication prior to scholar arrival onsite, mentor contact information is available on the AFRL Mentors page of this website.

When are internships available at AFRL?
The AFRL Scholars Program offers summer internships, with a very limited number of positions also available during the fall and spring semesters. The internship dates and number of weeks are based on scholar availability and funding available from year to year.

When are internship start and end dates?
Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying. End dates are based on student availability and funding. For site-specific start dates, please visit the site page (accessed from Locations menu).

I will be gone in the middle of the summer. Can I still participate in the program?
Scholars may take up to one week of leave in the summer, as long as they meet the 8-week minimum time requirement. Scholars will not be paid for their time off. You should list any planned leave in the “Availability” section of the application.

I am currently an undergraduate, but I will be graduating before the start of my internship. What should I select as my “education level” on my application?
You should select the education level which describes your status the semester immediately preceding the internship dates.

Do I have to submit official transcripts?
No, you may submit unofficial transcripts for the application. However, if you are accepted into the program you may be asked to submit an official transcript at any time.

I am a graduate student; do I need to submit my undergraduate transcripts?
Yes, you should submit your unofficial undergraduate transcripts. In the application module, you have the option to upload additional transcripts by adding an institution. If you attended the same school for your undergraduate and graduate studies, please list them separately on the application so that you can upload multiple transcripts.

I am a first-year college student (only 1 semester of transcripts); should I submit my high school transcripts?
This is optional. However, your college transcripts are required.

Do I have to be enrolled as a student to be eligible for the program?
Yes, you must be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution taking at least half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for semester immediately preceding internship session. Enrollment status may be verified at any time if you are accepted into the program.

Can I edit my application after I have submitted?
Yes, you may edit your application in AFRL Connect after submitting, so long as the deadline has not passed. Each time you resubmit your application, it will overwrite the previous submission.

What is the selection process? How will scholars be evaluated?
After the application closes and all scholar applications are received, mentors will evaluate and rank the applicants to their projects. Mentors will take into consideration an applicant’s STEM experience (paid and voluntary), STEM courses taken, GPA, résumé, and letter(s) of recommendation. Selections are made within 4-6 weeks after the application closes and internship offers are made according to the mentor selections; offers are then extended based upon available program funding. Applicants may receive multiple offers during this process, but may only accept one internship offer.

How and when will I be notified if I have been selected for the internship?
You will be sent an official internship offer by email informing you that you have been selected for the program. Offer timelines are based on funding availability, and can therefore vary from year to year. It is recommended that you begin checking email regularly approximately 3-4 weeks after the application closes, but offers can be sent as late as 5 weeks prior to the session start date.

How much is the stipend amount that I will receive?
Stipend amount is based on scholar academic level (semester immediately preceding internship dates), number of participation weeks, and internship site. For site-specific stipend rates, please visit the site page (accessed from Locations menu).

Does the program pay for my travel to/from the internship location and/or pay for room and board?
For those interning at Eglin AFB or Kirtland AFB, no compensation for travel or room/board is provided. Interns at AMOS may be compensated depending on available funding for the program year.

Does the AFRL Scholars Program help scholars to find roommates?
If selected, scholars will have access to message boards through which they can communicate with other selected scholars to find suitable roommates. However, the program administration does not “match up” scholars.

Do you have any suggestions for where I could find resources to help with my living arrangements?
AFRL and USRA do not endorse or have any affiliation with any companies listed on this site. As a courtesy, housing suggestions are offered on site-specific pages (accessed from Locations menu).

If selected, what forms of ID will I need for in-processing when I arrive for my internship?
You will need at least 1 valid form of government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license or U.S. passport. Be aware that in order to drive on a military installation you will need a valid driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. Please note, anyone seeking access onto a military installation using a state identification that is non-compliant with Real ID Act requirements will no longer be authorized access without providing an alternate identification credential. Some of the more common alternatives include a valid U.S. issued passport or ID cards issued by federal state or local government agencies that include a photo and biographic information. For a full list of Real ID Act compliant and non-compliant states, visit the Department of Homeland Security's website.

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